
Although Paul had heard the Lord talk to him and although he had visits
from angels, it was the church through which he received enlightenment and
was granted the privilege to work and witness.
"[Jesus] has all power, both in heaven and on earth; but He respects the
means that He has ordained for the enlightenment and salvation of men; He
directs sinners to the church, which He has made a channel of light to the
world. . . . All is done in the name and by the authority of Christ. Christ is
the fountain; the church is the channel of communication.
"—The Acts of the
Apostles,
p. 122.
FURTHER STUDY AND MEDITATION:
1.
Consider what the Lord may need to do if we fail to witness: "Instead
of educating the new converts to carry the gospel to those who had not heard
it, they were in danger of taking a course that would lead all to be satisfied
with what had been accomplished. To scatter His representatives abroad,
where they could work for others, God permitted persecution to come upon
them. Driven from Jerusalem, the believers 'went everywhere preaching the
word.'
"
—
The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 105.
2.
Paul so dominates Christian thinking that we forget that Barnabas was
much more respected and widely known in Christian circles when Paul came
on the scene. Take time to study the character of Bamabas as revealed in
Acts. Write a brief statement about him. See Acts 4:36, 37; 9:26-28; 11:22-
30; 13:1-8; 13:43-52; 14:12-17; 15:2, 3, 22-35.
3.
Read Ellen White's comments on the conversion of Paul in the chapter
entitled "From Persecutor to Disciple" in
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 112-
122. "[Paul] calmly reviewed his past experience, and made sure work of
repentance. He sought God with all his heart, resting not until he knew for a
certainty that his repentance was accepted and his sin pardoned. He longed
for the assurance that Jesus would be with him in his coming ministry. He
emptied his soul of the prejudices and traditions that had hitherto shaped his
life, and received instruction from the Source of truth. Jesus communed
with him, and established him in the faith, bestowing upon him a rich mea-
sure of wisdom and grace.
"—The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 125, 126.
SUMMARY: Divine providence marked the witness of Philip and the con-
version of Paul. God can be expected to provide for His church in the face of
opposition and persecution.
APPLICATION
•
Simon sought to manipulate Peter through offering money. Am I
ever guilty of manipulating others through unfair methods?
•
The Ethiopian said, "How can I understand unless someone will
give me the clue?" (Acts 8:31, NEB). Am I always ready to explain
the word to others? Have I failed anyone by staying quiet or not pre-
paring for opportunities to witness?
•
Concerning the early church we read: "It was strengthened; and
encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear
of the Lord" (Acts 9:31, NIV). Is that true of my church?
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